I was wondering if anyone had an idea what might be wrong with my 87 Banshee. It would start and idle great, but as soon as you gave it some throttle the engine would die. I have replaced the reeds with some new Boyesen's. Now there seems to be a vacuum leak somewhere and is very difficult to start. Also the engine will die when you give is some throttle. Are Banshee's known for blowing base gaskets? The engine has been ported and polished and the head has been slightly milled. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

Might be the TORS crap on top of the carb???? worth a try.....

 

Check and see if your carbs are in sync. When they are out of sync it will do that too, your throttle cables may be stretched. Could have some trash in the carbs somewhere.

 

Check your reeds. Bikes with broken reeds will not rev up depending on how much damage there is to the reed.

 

I had exactly the same problem and the fix was so simple, I didn't even think about it until after I had tried everything else.

I simply over-oiled my foam air filters. They were allowing enough air in for the engine to idle, but as soon as I hit the throttle, the engine choked out. Take a look at your air filters and ensure they are not obstructed in any way.

Good luck!

 

Thanks everyone for giving your input. I was able to figure out what was wrong, with some help from Charlie Ohton - Thanks!!!

Turns out, it was the tube between the carbs. It always seems to be the smallest things. Once again, thanks for everyone's help!

 

You were lucky it started! I hadn't put the tiny tube back (after a big carb cleaning), and it wouldn't even start...no idling or whatsoever. I kicked about 3 trillion times (actually 2 999 758 167 times) , and got tired. Gave a look and saw the little tube. Plugged it and started right back!

 

Zorro can we have a recount on the 2 999 758 167 kicks. Sorry about that but after all the bull down here in the US this past month I just could not pass it up.